Obama consults with Hollande on joint security concerns

1/25/13 7:38 PM EST

President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande consulted Friday on mutual security concerns in Mali, Syria and Algeria.

The two leaders both "condemned" the recent attack in Algeria and "affirmed their mutual commitment to countering terrorism more broadly in North Africa," the White House said in a statement, adding that they discussed the "importance of sustained assistance to Libya as it works to build effective security sector institutions."

Obama expressed his support for France’s leadership of international efforts to prevent terrorists from finding a safehaven in Mali.

"President Hollande thanked President Obama for the significant support provided by the United States to this effort," the White House said. "The two leaders emphasized the need to rapidly establish the African-led International Support Mission in Mali, as well as the importance of the Interim Government of Mali establishing a political roadmap that will lead to elections and restoration of democratic governance."

On Syria, Obama and Hollande expressed "strong concern about the humanitarian crisis affecting not just Syria but also neighboring countries and reiterating their commitment to assisting the Syrian people achieve political transition to a post-Assad Syria."